Dcmk Exchange - Blog Posts

I wanted to mention little details I did for this!

Despite Conan being totally a weird cat, the reason the filter has him as a puppy instead is I often see the cat one being locked onto the first person that appears. Similarly the pink first, blue second, and in some filters red first, blue second. Since Conan's short and spends most of it barely in the image, it made more sense to have the placement sort of switched in comparison to the personalities. I definitely wanted to make the poses and such make up for that, regarding Heiji at least. I can see Heiji being more of a puppy lol.

For the poses, I wanted it to seem like they didn't think the height difference through, and that the timing of the booth took pictures while they tried to get them both in frame. Overall a silly situation.

I considered making the theming more fireworks instead of space but the episodes I was watching around the time seemed to focus on the stars more often, so I think that influenced that choice.

The Happy New year label is actually just my handwriting since it was done last. I tried to make it neat though.

There's a few photo booths at a place I used to work, so I sort of took most my inspiration from the strip shapes from those.

Anyway, that's some details I wanted to mention. I had a lot of fun with this one lol.

Hello @elfchensdcartblog!

I was your DCMK Exchange Secret Santa! Here's your @dcmk-exchange gift!

I wanted to do something lighthearted and silly, and a photo booth strip was perfect for trying out a few brushes I had sitting unused. I saw you enjoyed the character Heiji, and I hadn't drawn him before, so I was excited to try that out. I added a New Year label version since the new year passing, and a blank one. I tried my best on the handwriting for that, lol.

I hope you enjoy it! I know I'm earlier in my Detective Conan watch journey in comparison, so I hope it fits the personalities alright. I had fun making this, and enjoyed our talks through the anon asks.

Sincerely,

Moss

Omg I love this so much! He looks so peaceful! It reminds me of some of the mornings I've had this January. I appreciate this so much!!! 🥹

Hello there, dear @itsokaytomakemosstakes!

I was your assigned gift maker for the @dcmk-exchange event!

Ever since you shared your lovely mugs with me, the thought that Ran would get them as a matching kitty set for herself and Conan, wouldn't leave me alone. So I decided to embrace the idea; for both the headcanon and the personal touch.

Originally I planned something more silly, but the soothing vibes of my first sketch were just so lovely, I went with this instead (especially since I thought you might appreciate a bit of peace).

I hope you'll like this, and I really have enjoyed chatting with you, Moss!

Since you said your miss your walks to the creperie in the place you used to live, is there a similar place where you currently live? And I don't just mean a creperie, but rather something that evokes similar feelings in you! (I haven't been to a creperie before but I would love to go one day; sounds like a quietly joyful experience. Not to mention delicious.) Also, I'm really looking forward to finishing your gift and sharing it with you! - DCMK

I lived here a good portion of my life, so there's quite a few spots. There's also a creperie here too, but it's not the same vibes, though it's a very nice seeming one, just far and with a different aesthetic to the interior.

Sorry for the late reply! I've been going to events at my local university, sewing, and playing Sun Haven lately.

I'm excited to see the gift! I just sent my own gift out just now.

See ya soon with the reveal!

Hello @elfchensdcartblog!

I was your DCMK Exchange Secret Santa! Here's your @dcmk-exchange gift!

I wanted to do something lighthearted and silly, and a photo booth strip was perfect for trying out a few brushes I had sitting unused. I saw you enjoyed the character Heiji, and I hadn't drawn him before, so I was excited to try that out. I added a New Year label version since the new year passing, and a blank one. I tried my best on the handwriting for that, lol.

I hope you enjoy it! I know I'm earlier in my Detective Conan watch journey in comparison, so I hope it fits the personalities alright. I had fun making this, and enjoyed our talks through the anon asks.

Sincerely,

Moss

Crepes are truly versatile, you can eat them so many ways, I love them! I love how you can make them sweet or salty and savoury, or put jam in it, or eat it with whipped cream or with fruits! So yummy indeed, and so many options, they are a delight!

Sometimes I miss my morning walks to the creperie and the times I stopped by for lunch

I mostly eat crepe like pancakes (they are the ones we make in my family), so I'm not well versed in other kinds. So I can only judge most other kinds by looking it up (and gosh, there are so many and so many different ways to make it). And thank you, even just knowing the basic ingredients helps a lot! And I relate, honestly, cooking is something you do by heart (I don't have measurements for the recipes, I usually just go by taste and what feels right). - DCMK

I like crepes a whole lot, before I moved back to the city I currently live in, I used to walk to the creperie that was on the same street I had lived on at the time to eat crepes. So yummy, so many options!

Oh, I see! I know them as American style pancakes! I only had them twice though: they were pretty delicious! And do you have a recipe you like for coffee jelly you can share? I would like to try them for myself, if possible, and you recommending a trusted recipe would be fantastic. (No rush though, any time is fine!) And I have a lot of comfort rewatch movies/shows, so I know the feeling. I hope it's as soothing an experience for you, as it is for me. Take care, dear Moss! - DCMK

It's interesting you say that cause American style from as far as I know is more wide and fluffy than a hotcake. As for coffee jelly, I haven't written down a recipe, so I'd recommend looking one up, but I use only gelatin, water, coffee, sugar, put it in the fridge, use whipped cream or similar for topping a few hours later. How much I use of each is dependent on the portion, but I sort of eyeball it from memory, which is why I recommend looking one up. I had a recipe bookmarked some time ago, but the website it was on doesn't exist anymore, hence my numberless memory.

And oh darling. I'm sending you so many hugs. The only things I'm sure about grieving is that it is never easy (and I think it's also complex). I truly hope you can grieve in peace and can find the right path for you. Everyone also deals with it differently, so there is no universal recipe for how to process these emotions. If you ever think you'd like to talk to about your experience or feelings, I would gladly offer a listening ear. Take care, Moss! - DCMK 2/2

I appreciate it. It's an incredibly rough time for me, but some days are better than others. I've been trying to get out of the apartment some days just to get out of bed and be somewhere else for a bit. Some days I couldn't leave bed if I tried. While I won't get into the details too much, I felt it good to make a page break and mention something if that's okay.

I think the weirdest part is before, during the few times prior I had experience loss, there was really mostly one person there by my side who had helped me navigate it. Someone I consider one of my best friends, and I know it was a mutual feeling. But this time, I have a lot of people around me, supporting me, and checking in, but it feel so wrong, since I'm used to having him around, but he's the one who's gone now.

And I try to remind myself that I shouldn't feel guilt, and I just feel so lost. I sort of feel like I'm just being pulled along by time, away, and drifting.

That's ok, don't worry about it! And that is understandable, and a good decision too, since Ai has lots of layers to her. What did you think about the cases then? And again, that is ok, that is why I said, if it's something you can talk about! And I'm ot sure what hotcakes are, is it a kind of pancake? And what s coffee jelly? The latter sounds absolutely delightful (and from the pictures I saw while looking it up, it also looks very delicious). - DCMK 1/2

Hotcakes are pancakes but more thick/dense.

I enjoy coffee jelly a lot, and I make it at home from time to time now since it's fairly easy to make but cheaper than buying it from the few places that do have it available here. Sometimes I can be found eating some while watching anime. Sometimes I use the plates from the tea set I showed ya.

I decided to take some time and watch some episodes I liked from Astro Boy 03, since I needed the comfort and nostalgia. I've officially seen all the main Studio Ghibli films, which is nice.

Hello there, dear Moss! I hope you've been doing ok, and I'm sending you good vibes! - DCMK

It has been ups and downs. I can't say it's been easy at all, but I had mentioned before I had received horrible news and I can say the grieving process is just so awful.

I appreciate the good vibes greatly.

What did you think of EP 129 and Ai? (It's one of my favourite episodes, it's hard for me to shut up about it.) And oh, what sort of commissions you are working on? If you don't mind me asking and it's something you can talk about. I also hope you can catch up with some good quality sleep and you won't need your migraine medicine! Take care of yourself. And I love how the plate and mug have different patterns, yet still matching in a set, with that splash of blue; gorgeous. - DCMK

I totally thought I responded to this I'm so sorry omg.

Since it's an introduction episode I tend to wait until I'm better acquainted with a character before I form a solid opinion of their introduction episode.

I'm not sure what to say about the commissions since some are people's personal projects so I feel it's not my place to say, especially this early on and personal.

Also, I made some coffee jelly and some hotcakes recently.

No wonder you do; they are so lovely! And you make me want to see the rest of your mugs, the checkered ones included too (Koi wa Thrill, Shock, Suspense is such a good and iconic opening, gosh, YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT: opening matching mugs, they sound like). And for one, I would love to see more of your art, fanart and original as well. Also, curious: how is your Detco watching going? Have you reached ep 129 yet? How are you doing in general? Hope your days have been lovely, Moss! - DCMK

I have seen episode 129! (Which mean's I've officially met Haibara)

I do have some commissions I'm focusing on, but I also have some art of my OCs that I'm working on too. I do plan on posting the pictures of the dolls when they're finished, too, but I had to pause on that for a bit cause I ruined my sleep schedule again.

Today I woke up with such a killer headache, so I plan to take ibuprofen in hopes I don't need to take my migraine medicine.

Also, here's the checkered mug & plate from the set that I said feels sort of fitting to Koi wa Thrill, Shock, Suspense:

The colour at the top even matches somehow, and the pattern on the plate, too.

I have so many mugs.

I'M SCREAMING IN DELIGHT, YOUR KITTY MUGS ARE THE CUTEST! I LOVE HOW BOTH ARE KITTY MUGS BUT HAVE SUCH DIFFERENT VIBES! The red one has an exquisite yet simple beauty about it, while the pink one IS SO SILLY AND BUBBLY, AND I ADORE THEM! And I really hope you'll find the lid for the red one soon! (If you do, I would be really happy to see the whole set together. *looks at you with puppy eyes*) And gosh, I love, LOVE your art piece of Atom, especially the colour palette and the big shapes! - DCMK

I love my variety of mugs tbh. Oh! I have two small checkered mugs that come with plates, and idk maybe it would be a good one to use when listening to Koi wa Thrill, Shock, Suspense methinks.

I'm glad you think so! The colour palette was decided by the assignment so I couldn't not make the subject character be Atom.

I think I should post more of my original characters and stuff related too, it might keep me accountable on my personal projects.

YOU CANNOT JUST MENTION AN ADORABLE CAT MUG AND NOT SHARE A PICTURE! I WOULD ABSOLUTELY LOVE TO SEE IT! YES, GIVE THE CHILD A KITTY MUG! - DCMK

So it's supposed to have a wooden lid but I either misplaced it or it's where my mugs are but hidden in the back where I'm too short to reach, so here it is without the lid lol

But that's not my only cat mug with a lid, I have a pink one too that has a cat lid!

So hopefully this one makes up for me missing the lid of the other one. (and please ignore my messy apartment in the reflection)

Mugs are one of the best things in this world: one can never have enough. For me, I headcanon Shinichi drinking from a shark mug, and I even have a specific kind in mind. Ran would have a cute one for sure. And I would love to see what kind of mugs you'd pick for them, if you feel up to it (be it from your own collection or not)! Shinichi is just a big kid, it's easy to forget sometimes, he can be so serious then do a 180° turn into silly and immature, gosh, he's such a baby. - DCMK

I have a red cat mug that comes with a wooden lid and a spoon. I can imagine Conan-kun using it.

Mugs are one of the best things in this world, I'm so fond of them and always have the need to get more (even if I know I have more than enough). Thanks to this I also tend to think about what kind of mugs my favourite characters drink from. *laughs* And gosh, that was such a nice episode, I loved how silly and protective Shinichi was of Ran in it. Did you you know it was a filler episode? And it also had Sonoko's first appearance! (Gosh, I love Sonoko so much.) - DCMK

The more mugs, the more I don't have to wait for the dishwasher to drink more tea and cocoa and whatnot! Also now you've got me thinking which of my random assortment of mugs would I assign to which characters.... hmmm....

Sometimes it really is hard to imagine Shin'ichi when Conan is being silly, but sometimes it's also funny when I can.

And I'm not sure what your news were, but if you would like to talk about it, I would gladly listen. (And if not, if there is anything I can do for you to make you feel better, let me know!) And you too: no need to apologize, darling. As your tag says: it is certainly a rough time of year, and I'm sending some good vibes your way. And noted on the happy-silly vibes! Now, Distraction Technique: quick, think of one of your favourite silly moments from DetCo! - DCMK 2/2

Idk why but the first thing that came to mind was when he followed Ran to that one party and sat outside and ran around after sneezing and getting caught, because he looks so silly. I struggle to picture Shin'ichi in that moment lol.

That's okay, perhaps you can share more about Astro Boy when you feel up to it! I don't mind waiting, take your time. (On that note, I hope life treats you with kindness and your mood will improve and you'll have more energy soon!) AND GOSH YOUR MUG IS SO CUTE, I love how it uses 2 fonts and many colours; simple yet lovely! And yes please hydrate, it's important to hydrate. *takes a sip of water from water bottle* - DCMK 1/2

Honestly out of all my mugs, it's one of the few I bought new and wasn't gifted.

I also thank you for your patience, I had to attend to an emergency and got some bad news, and I wasn't in the best shape. Sorry that I couldn't reply to you sooner. I also wanted to check with you: do you have any preferences or ideas for your gift above the ones you shared in the exchange form? I hope you have a lovely day, Moss! And of course, happy new year, may it bring you lots of joy, peace and success! - DCMK 3/3

No worries, I guess we both got bad news of similar genres it sounds...

Don't feel pressured to apologise, though I suppose I'm hypocritical here.

As for idea preferences, maybe something happy or silly would make sense to say, outside of the form.

And true *laughs*, I’m generally not for live action (esp movies) adaptations, but sometimes animated ones are like that too. I’m looking forward to seeing the doll and mug pictures! And it’s ok, I’m quite forgetful myself, so take all the time you need, and don't worry about the quality of the pics! Though I’m surprised, how a 2023 phone is lacking in that department. Oh what sort of art study it is? Would you mind sharing a bit about it? - DCMK 2/3

Oh shoot I forgot to take a picture of the mug!

It took me a few tries to get a decent shot:

Here's the mug! I think I'm gonna get myself tea. And water. I should hydrate.

The “Oh no the building(s)!” comment made me giggle so much. RIP to all the destroyed buildings in DetCo. I heard that too and the fact Heiji is Canadian still makes me smile. And I love to hear about how passionate you are about Astro Boy. I would definitely like to hear more! Like what it is about, or some of the aspects you love about it? - DCMK 1/3

Honestly, I could write an essay easily, but today I do not have that energy and I apologise.

Art studies from artbooks are fascinating: one can learn so much from those. And yes please, please share your dolls and art, I’d love to see them! (And I love seeing the process of the making of something too, if you ever feel like sharing that.) And gosh, you certainly have delightful plans, I hope you can do everything you’ve planned for your day and your day will keep improving in coziness! And I would love to see your grandma mug, it sounds so cute. - DCMK 4/4

I threw the mug in the dishwasher a bit ago, so I should be able to post an image soon enough. As for the dolls I'll have to remember to take pictures (I forget a lot) when they're a bit less..... not whole lol. Also forgive my phone camera quality, my phone is a bully and it takes all of my mental energy not to chuck it in the garbage, which is rather unfortunate for a 2023 phone.

As for studies, my most recent one is actually related to Astro Boy 03.

However, I strongly relate to the „please not the movie” bit, since I have encountered content and adaptations before that were… well, let’s say, I am ignoring the existence of them. I hope you’ll have fun watching DetCo till the end! (Or well, until you catch up because the end seems like a far away concept.) And ditto on the breaks: they’d be very well deserved. (And don’t worry about rambling, I’m happy to read your replies! And honestly, I tend to ramble too. :’3) - DCMK 3/4

I think one of the more interesting things is for once the 'please not the movie' is about an animated film and not a live-action one.

I’m not aware of the quality of current DetCo dub, but I heard plenty of good things about the old version. (I rarely watch dubs, tho, so I’m not the best authority on this *laughs*) I haven’t read nor watched Astro Boy (So, sorry that I cannot participate there, but I’m more than open to hear you talk about it! I love how enthusiastic you are about it), and don’t really know much about it. - DCMK 2/4

I'm not fully aware of the quality either, tbh. I heard little bits here and there though, apparently Heiji is Canadian.

As for Astro Boy, it's one of those things that's been important to me throughout my lifetime, so I'll probably mention it a ton on this blog. I even painted him for one of my university projects. If you ever wanna learn more about Astro Boy feel free to let me know, I probably can answer most questions.

Happy to hear you’ve already seen and enjoyed the first 2 movies, I’m really fond of them (and the 3rd too; another awesome movie), they have so much charm! As far as explosions and destroyed buildings go: there’ll be more of those, so my advice is not to get too attached to certain buildings. :’) And gosh, I agree with you on that: my country hasn’t been the best when it comes to anime localisation, and there are so many discrepancies between the dub script and animation. - DCMK 1/4

"Oh no the building(s)!" - me every DetCo movie from now on.

Studio Ghibli artbook! Sounds like the perfect gift. (I love collecting artbooks myself.) And fabric (and not to mention, pocky) is always nice to receive. And you are making your own dolls! I like to make things myself, so if you don't mind, I would absolutely love to see your creations. Also, how has your day been? Anything fun or memorable? - DCMK 2/2

I love artbooks, and I tend to do art studies off of em from time to time, they are definitely an ideal gift for me. I've been looking at some of the character design and production stuff I've gotten ahold of for Astro Boy 2003 recently, so having another Studio Ghibli artbook is something I'm excited about. And I love multiple flavours of pocky so I'll have something to much on while I'm drawing or sewing.

I'll have to remember to post some of my dolls I've made at some point, maybe I'll grab some of my Atom dolls (I don't have all of them anymore :'( but I have a few from varying times) and maybe I'll post a picture of one of my paintings for a university class with Atom in it, too, just cause it'll be fitting. I'm working on my Conan one still so it'll be a minute before he's in sharable condition.

My day yesterday had ups and downs, today has started well, though! I plan to go to physical therapy, and spend a good portion of the day sewing, working on my secret santa gifts, and watching DetCo, so I have a fulfilling day of creating ahead of me. I have a lot of free time at the moment, since I'm a university student and not in any active classes this moment.

A spreadsheet sounds like a great idea, especially with how the DetCo timeline is so unreliable. And gosh, you certainly have a lot of content ahead of you (DetCo, the prime example of a story that never ends and just keeps going). Since you mentioned the movies and specials, have you watched any of those yet? (The first few movies are super enjoyable!) Localisation, I find, is hard to do properly, in general, it needs a lot of consideration and care to work. - DCMK 1/2

I have! So far I've seen two of the films, and I'm steadily heading towards the third one on my list. I've enjoyed both of the one's I've seen so far! Though I will say the building that exploded in the second one looked cool and I was sad to see it go.

I do think a major challenge with localisation (which localisation not necessarily a bad thing) is that a lot of times in especially older series it's not too uncommon for the differences between what is said and shown don't match up and is noticeable to even younger audiences. I have been considering watching the dub for detco, however, when I catch up, but I'm not 100% on that, and I, at this time have more reasons for watching it in Japanese than otherwise.

I certainly have a long road ahead of me catching up, but I'm both excited and determined to do so. Then again, some of my favourite series are from older things, like Astro Boy, for example (though I do not like the movie, and cannot recommend the movie, please not the movie), so I think it would not be a surprise if I made it through to catching up in DetCo. I will say both Conan and Atom deserve breaks cause they each go through so much.

I tend to watch Japanese dub + Eng sub combination, and when in the mood the limited amount of content my country has dubbed. I only saw a couple of videos for the Eng dub version, so my experience with it is limited, but putting aside the localization, I find the snippets I encountered charming. The script translation is flexible compared to the original, but I find it gives so much character to the dub, it's fun to listen to. Again: hope your day is lovely! - DCMK 2/2

I figured, since I've already started it in Japanese with it sometimes subbed, I might watch the English dub if I ever catch up. I usually do the same for other series, where if I watch it in one I'll watch the other when I catch up. Sometimes I do find it hard to take some localisation seriously though, but I blame Pokémon for this.

To my surprise, I got gifts this year! I got a Studio Ghibli artbook, some pocky, and some fabric I actually needed for the plush dolls I've been making (one is of Atom, the other of Conan).

Hello there Dear! I'm happy to hear your day was good, I hope today is going well for you as well! And nothing like a good DetCo binge watch. Are you only watching the anime or include movies / specials / etc too? And gosh, that is such a great case, I absolutely love the phone call between Heiji and Shinichi, and Shinichi's Panic TM when he misfires is sleeping dart. Also you are so close to Ep 129 (one of my favourites), I'm excited to hear your opinion on that one! - DCMK 1/2

I'll have to try to remember to let you know how I feel about that case when I get to it! I have a watch order spreadsheet, so I'm watching movies, specials, and eventually will see spinoffs, so I certainly have a lot ahead of me, haha.

Hello there, Moss! I'm part of the DCMK-Exchange event, and I'll be closing my asks with "DCMK" (for the meantime or until we agree on something else together) so you can identify me. :3 How are you doing? And since we share a certain interest: which case are you at in DetCo currently? Also, do you prefer the manga or the anime? I'm looking forward to getting to know you better and I hope your day is extra lovely! - DCMK

Hello hello!

Today is going well, especially compared to past years. As for which case in DetCo, I should mention I watch multiple episodes per day most times, so by the end of the day the answer will likely be outdated, but my next case is The Mystery Writer Disappearance Case (Part 1), and I've been watching the anime! I do plan to read the manga at some point, but since I'm watching multiple series I've stuck with the anime for now. I will mention I'm watching it in Japanese, sometimes with English subtitles, sometimes not, since I'm trying to learn Japanese. I did hear there's a lot of localisation for the dub?

I think that should be a fine identifier since, if I recall correctly, there's a character limit on asks, and I wouldn't wanna trouble you with a change if it's unnecessary.

I hope your day is going well, and ends even better!